1. See Damage Increases by Size to calculate the damage for a weapon larger than Medium or smaller than Small.
2. Weight figures are for Medium weapons. A Small weapon weighs half as much, and a Large weapon weighs twice as much.
3. When two types are given, the weapon is both types if the entry specifies "and", either type (player's choice at time of attack) if the entry specifies "or", or each end of the double weapon is a different type if the entry specifies "/".
4. The hp value given is for Medium armor, weapons, and shields. Divide by 2 for each size category of the item smaller than Medium, or multiply it by 2 for each size category larger than Medium.

Functionally, a great staff operates much different than its lightweight cousin, the quarterstaff. Typically made from solid steel with leather grips, the wielder uses the weapon's heft to his best advantage in combat.

A great staff is a double weapon. The wielder can fight with it as if fighting with two weapons, but if he does, he incurs all the normal attack penalties associated with fighting with two weapons, just as if he were using a one-handed weapon and a light weapon. A creature wielding a great staff in one hand can’t use it as a double weapon—only one end of the weapon can be used in any given round.

Characters must have Strength of at least 13 to wield it effectively. A character wielding a great staff who lacks the necessary Strength score takes −4 on attacks with it.